F.c. United Wins State Soccer Title In Shootout

May 16, 1985|By Herky Cush

Another Seminole County soccer team has proven tough in an overtime shootout. The F.C. United Tornadoes of Casselberry last week captured the Florida State Boys Under 13 Division Championship in Tampa with a 3-2 victory over the K-Land Kicks of Miami. After regulation and a pair of double overtime periods, the game was still deadlocked at 2-2. In the penalty kick shootout to decide the game, Ryan Thomas, the final Tornadoes player to take his shot, made it to end the 2 1/2 hour contest. Don Gurney, president of the state association, called it a ''classic game for the state championship final.'' The Tornadoes, who defeated Baco Raton, 1-0, in the semifinals, had to survive a tough round in April to advance to the final four. After playing a scoreless tie with Brandon, the Tornadoes defeated Miami Shores, 4-1, and the St. Pete Junior Raiders, 2-0. Thomas' six goals led the Tornadoes scoring in the tournament. Other offensive contributors were Joey Johnson and Travis Betsinger. Tornadoes goal keeper Marc Cohen allowed only three goals in five games. David Waters and Lee Knudsen joined Betsinger as the tough midfielders for the Tornadoes. The fullbacks were Marc Bines, Tim Weisenen and Colin Forde while the sweeper back was Brian Greenspoon. Others on the squad, who played a great deal, were Tom Kroll, Greg Dean, Chris Dzuiban and Ralph Rankin. The team was coached by Larry Betsinger and Paul Johnson. Lyman's girls soccer team won an overtime semifinal game en route to capturing the girls state title